What is an EV?

EVs are electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries which can be charged by electricity from an external source.

What is an EV Supply Equipment (EVSE)?

EVSE includes the electrical equipment external to the EV that provides a connection for an EV to a power source for charging and is equipped with advanced features like smart metering, cellular capability and network connectivity.

What are different specifications of Charging Infrastructure?

Specifications of charging infrastructure as per guidelines issued by Ministry of Power:

                                                  Table 1: Specification of Charging Infrastructure

*In addition, any other Fast / Moderate / Slow charger as approved by Department of Science & Technology (DST) / Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards whenever notified.

Note: Type – 2 AC (min. 22 kW) is capable of charging electric 2-wheeler / 3-wheeler with the provision of an adaptor

What are the types of EV?

EVs include Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in addition to pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs). PHEVs use both petrol / diesel and electricity. These vehicles have two power systems, an internal combustion engine and a battery. The battery can be recharged by plugging the vehicle into an external source. HEVs combine conventional ICE systems with electric propulsion systems. They use regenerative braking to convert energy that is normally wasted during braking into electricity. This electricity is stored in a battery.

                                   Figure 3: Electric Vehicle                                                        Figure 2: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

                                                                               Figure 4: Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Are EVs less polluting than ICE vehicles?

Conventional petrol / diesel vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles contribute to particulate emissions which is a major reason for vehicular based emission. Battery operated vehicles have zero tailpipe and noise emissions.

How long does it take to charge an EV?

An electric car having around 30 kWh battery pack takes less than 1 hour to be charged up to 80% of its battery capacity using Fast Charger (50 kW), while to attain similar percentage of charging, Slow / Moderate charger (15 A plug) takes around 8 hours.

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

The cost for a single charge (home charge) shall vary State to State as per notified State EV tariff and battery capacity of the vehicle. This can be estimated by the formula = Battery capacity (in kWh) X EV charging tariff (in INR/ kWh) 

Is it costly to operate an EV over a period as compared to an ICE vehicle?

An EV has a higher upfront cost of procurement as compared to its ICE counterpart. However, the cost of charging, maintaining and operating an EV is lower than the ICE vehicle which in turns reduces the TCO of an EV. For example, Tata Tigor and Tata Tigor EV has been considered for calculation. Tata Tigor has a claimed range of approximately 20 kms per litre. Assuming, a running of 100 kms, it would consume around 5 litres of petrol. Assuming the cost of petrol of INR 86.95 per litre, as of 08 Feb 2021. Hence, the cost of travelling 100 kms is INR 434.75. Tata Tigor EV, with a total battery capacity of 21.5 kWh, the total cost of charging the EV would be 21.5 kWh x INR 4.5 per kWh (Assuming EV home charging tariff for Delhi), i.e. around INR 96.75. Hence it is economical to operate an EV than ICE vehicle.

Where can I charge my EV?

EV can be charged either at PCS or at your home. Government is deploying PCS at a faster pace so that EV owners can charge their vehicles comfortably. Apart from this, many Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are setting up EV charging stations at their oil retail outlets / fuel pumps such that EV owners can easily locate charging stations.

How can I find an EV charging station near me?

A lot of technology providers (i.e. Network Service Providers) are developing mobile based applications which shall provide information about nearest public charging point location, expected waiting time and cost of charging.

Are EVs safe?

All EV batteries go through rigorous testing procedures at National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) certified labs. Certification agencies in India like ARAI, ICAT certify EV and Chargers. Thus, it is safe to drive an EV.

What are the benefits from the government for purchase of EVs?

Central as well as State governments have been promoting adoption of EVs by providing fiscal as well as non-fiscal incentives. Some of the incentives being provided on purchase of EVs are: • Upfront capital subsidy under FAME India Scheme Phase II • Goods & Services Tax (GST) on EVs has been reduced from 12% to 5%, • Income tax deduction can be claimed on the interest paid on loans taken for purchase of EVs.